Trezor Model T Review (2018)

The Trezor Model T (aka Trezor T) was released in May 2018. It’s the successor to the original Trezor (aka Trezor One) and features a full-colour touchscreen, faster processor, and superior cryptocurrency support.

It looks great. But is it worth the cost? Is it the best hardware wallet available?

What is a Trezor?

Hardware wallets allow you to securely make transactions. They achieve this by holding and signing transactions on this external device. This means that your private keys never need to be transmitted to your computer (which could be infected).

Even if the Trezor was connected to an infected computer, your hard-earned cryptocurrency would still be safe.

Hardware wallets are popular and well-recommended as they’re easy to setup and use (even for non-technical users) and provide peace of mind.

“If an organisation had enough know-how to intercept your package, replace the firmware of your hardware wallet by some rogue software which would allow them to empty your wallet, don’t you think it would be trivial for them to duplicate and replace a piece of coloured tape, giving you a false impression of security?”

Two Factor Authentication

You can also use your Trezor device as a 2nd form of authentication (U2F device) when using some services. Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) authentication is like Google Authenticator (2FA), but more secure.

Exchange Integration

Some exchanges (e.g., Bitstamp) interact directly with the Trezor Model T. This allows you to directly deposit from the Trezor to the exchange without manually entering the transaction in the Trezor Wallet app.

Summary: Is the Trezor Model T Worth It?

Even though the Trezor Model T is great, is it really worth the extra £64 / €72?

Initially, I didn’t think so. But by the time I’d finished writing this review, I’d changed my mind.

Why? Two reasons:

The touchscreen makes it easier and more intuitive to use.

The Trezor Model T will begin to support popular cryptocurrencies which the Trezor One doesn’t – like Ripple (XRP) and Monero (XRP).

If you’re buying your first cryptocurrency hardware wallet, it makes sense to future-proof yourself by buying the Trezor Model T. Because it uses a developer-friendly operating system (Trezor Core), it’ll begin to support more cryptocurrencies than the Trezor One.

But if you don’t care about that? Stick with the Trezor One. It’s clunkier and less attractive but keeps your cryptocurrency just as secure.